The
fastest and most expensive production car ever made, the $1.25
million Bugatti Veyron 16.4 had its world premiere at the
Tokyo
Motor Show in October, 2005. Hand-produced in Molsheim,
France,
this super sports car was also shown from October 11 to 18,
2005, in Madonie, Sicily, famous for the renowned Targa Florio
race where, in the 1920s, the company’s founder Ettore
Bugatti achieved the most racing victories.

The new Veyron 16.4 is named after Pierre Veyron, a Grand
Prix motor racing driver most remembered for winning the 24
Hours of Le Mans race with Jean-Pierre Wimille in a Bugatti
57C in 1939. The Bugatti name has long been associated with
top-of-the-line vehicles, particularly racing cars. In 1998,
Volkswagen
purchased Bugatti’s trademark rights, assuring that
this legendary name lives on.

To say that the Veyron is impressive would almost be an insult,
considering just how unbelievable this car really is. The
luxurious, classic interior is reminiscent of the brand’s
racing past while the outside is striking with dual color
enameling, chrome-plated radiator shutter and protruding back
fenders which enhance the car’s sleek, athletic look.
With some cars, looks can be deceiving, but here any performance
expectations you might have by just looking at the car are
sure to be exceeded.

Reaching
60 miles per hour in just 2.5 seconds, the Veyron has a seven-speed
DSG twin-clutch transmission, a direct-injection 8.0-liter
W-16 engine with 64 valves and 4 turbos and a top speed of
250 mph. This means that if you want to grab dinner in Los
Angeles and a show in Las
Vegas, the Veyron will get you there in one hour! The
car's speed capabilities are enhanced by aluminum and magnesium
components, which help keep it light. Its power output tops
at 987 horses (1,001 metric horses) at 6000 rpm with 922 lb.-ft.
of torque at 2,200 rpm. Toggle switches on the steering wheel
sequentially switch transmission, and power is evenly distributed
with continuous four-wheel drive.

Speed
demons will gladly trade their souls for the chance to drive
this car, which not only reaches unprecedented speeds but
also does so with refined technological class. Once the car
reaches almost 140 mph, the normal 4.9-in. ride height is
lowered to 3.1 in the front and 3.7 in the rear, while the
rear spoiler rises and the wing extends nearly a foot. Then,
at 230 mph, the driver is required to turn a key in a lock
located near the driver’s seat, lowering the car even
more to a miniscule 2.6 inches in front and 2.8 in the rear.
The front underbody flaps close and the rear spoiler and wing
retract, as the car zooms to its top speed.

While many might fall in love at first sight with the Veyron
16.4, few will find themselves with one in the garage, considering
its ultra-hefty price tag. Also, the company plans to produce
no more than 50 cars a year, with a maximum of 300 units overall.
Yet for the lucky few who can afford it, the Veyron promises
to be worth every penny.